Professor X In Oxford
If ever there were a convincing reason to study up for the Oxford entrance exam, here it is: Patrick Stewart could end up being your teacher. Yes, Professor Xavier is becoming a real professor, having been named the next Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor of contemporary theatre at Oxford University. We’ve no real idea what that actually means but apparently it’s a great honour. The rather chuffed Stewart will be holding his first lecture to some very excited students in April of this year.
Dame On
According to whatever arcane formula calculates bookies’ odds, Helen Mirren is the safest bet in the history of the Oscars. According the William Hill (a spokesman for the company, rather than the man himself) the 12-1 odds are the shortest they’ve ever given an Oscar hopeful. Our advice? Bet now, when she cleans up at the BAFTAs in February the odds are sure to narrow even further. Unless, that is, a certain other dame has something to say about it.
Only Marty Has The Answer
And while we’re on the subject of Oscar odds, Martin Scorsese is apparently a dead cert to scoop the Best Director gong. The Departed director is the 1-3 favourite to finally receive his dues from the Academy but, given his luck so far, we wouldn’t bet the house on it.